MediCinema is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of patients and their families in hospitals and other healthcare settings by bringing the wonder and escapism of cinema to them. Founded in 1996, MediCinema provides a much-needed escape from the often stressful and difficult experiences of being a patient or carer. Through its innovative approach, MediCinema has helped to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mental health and provide a sense of normality to those undergoing treatment, creating a positive impact on the healthcare industry through film programming.
What MediCinema Does
Located in the U.K., MediCinema makes its mission to build, install, and run state-of-the-art cinemas in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. When hospital patients are introduced to what MediCinema has to offer, it’s like walking into a real movie theater with the latest technology like Dolby surround sound, realD 3D technology, and large silver screens. The same architects and suppliers you’d find working in mainstream theaters work with MediCinema to give hospital patients and families the full cinematic experience.
Audiences don’t have to worry about having to sit through a movie they can find on their hospital’s TV or even your local library shelves. They are introduced to the latest releases to avoid missing out on anything. This is a great way to break the ice with visitors to give them nice things to talk about instead of focusing hard on why the patient is in the hospital or upcoming procedures. The best part is that screenings are free for everyone.
Where is MediCinema located?
Luckily, there are six MediCinema locations throughout the U.K. There are three locations in London and others in hospitals in Newcastle, Glasgow, and Newport. MediCinema is also hoping to open a new location at the new Defense Military Rehab Centre at Stanford Hall, Loughborough. With 21 screenings a week, it was reported in 2017 by MediCinema’s official website that 23,700 cinematic experiences were given to patients and their families. By 2025, you should see double the number of sites and triple the annual number that’s reached.
Impact
MediCinema has touched the hearts of many people. For two weeks in July, there have been 133 responses to a questionnaire for people who have been a part of MediCinema. When the questionnaire was repeated in December, they received 175 responses. The results proved that 93% experienced improved well-being as well as reduced stress and anxiety. 95% didn’t feel isolated and got a sense of normalcy. 96% felt like they had something to look forward to. 98% believed MediCinema improved the hospital experience and 94% felt much better after their cinematic experience. Most importantly, 100% recommend MediCinema to have in local healthcare facilities.
What Has MediCinema Done For Patients?
As reported in the patient stories on the MediCinema website, six-year-old Max got a stem cell transplant for a rare form of cancer but suffered neurological problems as a result. This caused his original six-week stay at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to be five months. With the help of MediCinema, he was able to see the newest Spider-Man movie to carry on the tradition of going to the movies a few times a month on Wednesdays.
There’s also the story of young Rosie who was in and out of the hospital for the past two years. But the night before going home, she was able to see The Lion King. Before the movie started, they gave her a true Lion King celebration with arts and crafts, face painting, and making balloons. She even got to create a special themed crown from the Disney movie.
Another young child named Darach had infective endocarditis for almost seven weeks and during the summer holidays. But MediCinema didn’t want him and his older brother to miss out on seeing Men in Black: International, and they both enjoyed a screening.
How to Get Involved
MediCinema does not receive any government or NHS funding which means it is up to the public to send donations to this charity organization to keep it running. Download their fundraising pack to learn more. There are also charity places for Challenge events like the Virgin London Marathon and Royal Parks Half Marathon.
You can also create a corporate partnership with your business. Volunteers can lend a helping hand to assist with each screening to roll the wheelchairs or hospital beds of the patients to the screening. They can also help out at the head office, organize events, be part of gala committees, and more. You can also be part of the Red Carpet Club to purchase tickets as each donation has the ability to help 18 patients.
Watching a movie with your loved ones can brighten the day for everyone, especially those in the hospital. Hopefully, this organization can eventually become worldwide so a number of hospital patients don’t have to miss out on the magic of movies.